asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has any further information regarding the position of the Hull-owned motor ship "Omar" which has been detained by the Finnish authorities for a considerable time?

After the last hearing of this case before the Finnish Court of Appeal, His Majesty's Government requested the Finnish Government to furnish them with a statement of the grounds on which they regarded the seizure of the "Omar" as justifiable under the Anglo-Finnish Liquor Smuggling Convention. This statement has recently been received; and His Majesty's Government have informed the Finnish Government that, in view thereof, they are ready to await the result of the final appeal in this case, which the owners of the vessel have now lodged with the Supreme Court in Finland, provided that they can be assured that the hearing will be expedited as much as possible and that the court, in passing judgment, will take into consideration the provisions of the Convention.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the announcement that the Turkish Government are settling the pre-War claims of the United States of America for a quarter of a million, he will make representations to the Turkish Government with regard to the claims of British citizens for the confiscation of their property during the War?

My hon. Friend will appreciate the distinction between pre-War claims and claims for compensation arising during the War. Our pre-War claims against the Turkish Government have, I understand, been settled, and the last instalment was recently paid. As regards claims arising during the War, arrangements for dealing with British claims against Turkey were made at the time of the Lausanne Peace Settlement. Representations such as my hon. Friend suggests cannot now be made to the Turkish Government as, under Article 58 of the Treaty of Lausanne, His Majesty's Government and the Turkish Government reciprocally renounced all pecuniary claims for loss and damage suffered respectively by British and Turkish nationals between 1st August, 1914, and the entry into force of the treaty as the result of acts of war or measures of requisition, sequestration, disposal or confiscation.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that other countries have been paid compensation; and is he also aware that British firms, both during the occupation and since the occupation, have repeatedly sent in claims to the Turkish Government without result, and can he make inquiries on their behalf?

If my hon. Friend will give me the details he has in mind, they shall be carefully examined, but I must point out that his question seems not to draw a distinction between pre-war, claims which, as he says, are being settled with the United States Government, and claims arising out of the War. Our pre-war claims have been settled.

May I remind my right hon. Friend that these claims of British firms are pre-war claims. They have put in those claims to the Turkish Government, and they have not been settled.

If the claims to which my hon. Friend refers are pre-war claims, they are not covered by his original question, which was as to the confiscation of property during the War.

May I apologise for interrupting, but it was during the War—

Order!

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has considered a communication sent from British residents in Turkey with regard to the action recently taken in that country to prohibit non-Turkish subjects from carrying on certain trades with the result that British residents are becoming destitute; and whether he can take any action in the matter?

Yes, Sir. It has not been possible to obtain any exemption in favour of British subjects from the provisions of the Turkish legislation in question, but the problem is under close examination. In the meantime His Majesty's consular officers in Turkey have been authorised to grant monetary relief in necessitous cases.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the fact that several hundred Socialists have been arrested in Vienna, His Majesty's Government will decline to take any further steps to guarantee Austria, financially or otherwise, so long as action such as this is taken without consultation with His Majesty's Minister in Vienna?

I am aware that the Austrian authorities have during the past few days made a number of arrests of persons suspected of illegal activities. I have no precise figures, but it is clear that a large proportion were released after examination. This is a matter of domestic concern to the Austrian Government in which I cannot officially intervene. His Majesty's Government have not had under consideration any further steps to guarantee Austria financially or otherwise.

Would it be proper for His Majesty's Government to indicate to the Austrian Government the opinions they hold on the steps taken to deal with the Socialists in Austria?

I think we must observe a well-understood distinction between official representations such as are proper to be made between two Sovereign States and anything which might be felt to go beyond that.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a strong feeling in this country that our foreign policy should be directed towards supporting democratic Governments throughout the world instead of autocratic Governments?

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that there is a much stronger feeling in this country that we ought to abstain from interfering with foreign countries?

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make a statement as to the present position of affairs in Memel; what our commitments there are; and what steps His Majesty's Government propose to take to prevent aggression by Germany or Lithuania?

The situation in Memel is unfortunately still much as I described it in the reply which I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Ayr Burghs (Lieut.-Colonel Moore) on the 19th December. The Landtag has met more than once, but a quorum has never been formed and no business can therefore be transacted. Negotiations for the formation of a Directorate, which would possess the confidence of the Landtag, are still continuing between the Governor and the various parties of the Landtag; and His Majesty's Government have spared no efforts to impress upon those responsible for the present situation the desirability of some agreement being reached whereby normal conditions of government in the territory may be restored.

The Memel Convention of 1924, to which this country, as one of the Principal Allied and Associated Powers, was a signatory, laid down the conditions subject to which the Memel territory was placed under the sovereignty of Lithuania. The Convention provides that any member of the Council of the League of Nations shall be entitled to draw the attention of the Council to any infraction of the provisions of the Convention and that in the event of any difference of opinion in regard to questions of law or of fact concerning these provisions between the Lithuanian Government and any of the Principal Allied Powers, members of the Council, the latter shall have the right to refer the dispute to the Permanent Court of International Justice.

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that the Lithuanian authorities are endeavouring to assist the Memel Chamber to function?

I understand that the Governor of Memel has shown a conciliatory disposition and has already offered the German party in Memel three seats on the Directorate; that is three out of five.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs when the Government intend to ratify the convention approved by the League of Nations in October, 1933, for the international circulation of films of an educational character?

His Majesty's Government propose to ratify the convention as soon as the necessary legislative authority has been obtained to enable them to give effect to their undertaking.

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) whether he will inform the Mexicon Government that, as that Government has been 21 years in default to British holders of its obligations after abortive attempts to obtain a settlement, the proposed renewal of its pledges to meet its obligations cannot be considered unless supported by a cash deposit in sterling with the Association of British Trust Companies;

(2) whether he will request His Majesty's Minister in Chile to remind the Chilean Government that continued default upon their contractual obligations has inflicted hardship upon British investors who relied upon the good faith of the Chilean Government when entrusting their savings to that Government; and will he now support the Association of Trust Companies in their attempt to reach an agreed settlement with the Chilean Government?

The practice of His Majesty's Government in regard to defaults on foreign loans, as stated to the House on numerous occasions, is not to intervene directly, but to watch the interests of British holders and in particular to make every effort to secure that settlements are reached by negotiation with the recognised representatives of the bondholders. I would therefore suggest that the Association of Trust Companies should keep in close touch with the Council of Foreign Bondholders, and I can assure my hon. Friend that any requests for support which I receive from those bodies will at all times be most carefully and sympathetically considered.

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, to protect revenue receipts and the overseas trade balance arising from income on foreign investments, he will arrange for a Treasury official to take part in any discussion with the Chilean representatives arising out of the proposals of the Chilean Government to impose the Caja Autonoma de Amortizacion plan of 7th January upon British holders of Chilean external debt without their consent; and will he ask the Chilean Minister in London to furnish him with details of the plan associated with the name of Don José Rios Arias?

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the replies given to the hon. Member for North Newcastle-on-Tyne (Sir N. Grattan-Doyle) on the 15th November last, and to the hon. Member for North Aberdeen (Mr. Burnett) on the 4th December last. Details of the Plan referred to are already in the possession of His Majesty's Government.

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he can make any statement as to the cause of the collision between the battle-cruisers "Hood" and "Renown"; what damage was done; and what is the estimated cost of making it good?

The collision occurred when the Battle Cruiser Squadron was re-forming, the bow of the "Renown" striking the "Hood" on the starboard side aft. The cause of the collision has been investigated by a Court of Enquiry, but its report has not yet been received. So far as is known at present, the damage to the "Renown" comprises a fracture of the stem casting and structural damage above and below water. The "Hood" is damaged in the starboard protection compartments, and the blades of the starboard wing propeller are also injured. The "Hood" arrives at Portsmouth on Monday, the 4th February, for full examination and repairs. The estimated cost of the repairs is not yet known.

May I ask whether anybody was injured on either of the two ships?

No. Sir.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can furnish information, giving the figures separately for Malaya and the Dutch East Indies, as to the acreage cultivated by Europeans and natives, respectively, immediately before and on the conclusion of the Stevenson scheme and also immediately before the present restriction scheme came into operation?

As the answer contains many figures, with my hon. Friend's permission I will circulate the reply in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the answer:

For Malaya the following figures of acreage under rubber are available:

No figures are available of the acreage planted to rubber by natives in the Netherlands East Indies. The following are the acreages of European estates:

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can furnish any estimate as to the change, if any, which has taken place in the average cost of production of rubber since the announcement of the recent restriction scheme?

No, Sir. I am afraid that I have no material on which such an estimate could be based, but I understand that the British and Dutch producers' organisations are now taking steps to ascertain the average cost of production of a large number of estates in the major producing countries on a basis agreed with the International Rubber Regulation Committee and accepted by the consumers' panel sitting on that committee.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether he is now in a position to make any statement with regard to the working of the rubber restriction scheme?

My hon. Friend has no doubt seen the communique of the International Rubber Regulation Committee published in this morning's papers. This communique shows that permissible exports for the last seven months of 1934 were nearly 499,000 tons, and actual exports during this period just over 486,000 tons. These figures show that the scheme has so far worked very satisfactorily, and I think the House will agree that the fact during this initial period the scheme has been operated so closely to the plan reflects great credit on those who had the difficult task of administering so comprehensive a scheme.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken under the rubber restriction scheme for control production by the natives in the Dutch East Indies; and whether the scheme of control provides effectively for the circumstances that would arise in the event of a substantial increase in the price of rubber?

I understand that in some districts a system of individual restriction is being introduced and that in other districts control will continue for the time being to be effected as in the past by means of an export duty. I have every confidence in the ability of the Netherlands Government to ensure effective control in any circumstances that are likely to arise.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in Northern Rhodesia, in consequence of the depression, with many persons out of employment, voluntary assistance was organised but proved insufficient, and the Governor provided additional assistance in the form of food and shelter on the strict condition that the value of such assistance should be repaid, and that as a result many families are now faced with a load of debt which they are unable to pay even although they may have been able to find employment; and whether he will make representations to the Governor on this matter?

Provision for Government relief to unemployed and destitute Europeans in Northern Rhodesia existed prior to the organisation of voluntary assistance. Since March, 1933, such persons have been afforded relief by Government without stipulation for repayment being made. The undertakings given prior to that date to repay the value of the relief granted have not been and will not be enforced save in exceptional cases in which recovery is fully justified. For all practical purposes these claims have been waived, and there can therefore be no question of families being faced with a load of debt on this account. I am glad to be able to add that the number of Europeans and their dependants in receipt of relief from Government, which stood as high as 428 in February, 1933, had dropped to below 100 in December, 1934.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he will appoint a commission of inquiry to investigate the circumstances leading to the death of Mr. Theodore Powys in Kenya, the delay in bringing the alleged murderers to trial, and the conduct of the subsequent trial?

I received in May last a full report furnished to the Governor by the commissioner of police, giving an account of the original inquiries in connection with Mr. Powys' death in October, 1931, and of subsequent inquiries up to April last initiated as the result of fresh information. I will place in the Library of the House of Commons a copy of that report. The inquiries were continued after that date, and as a result, five natives were charged with the murder of Mr. Powys. The trial resulted in their acquittal. I have asked the Governor to send me a comprehensive report following up the report to which I have referred and giving similarly a full account of the later investigations, of the action taken by Government in connection therewith, and of the measures taken by Government to maintain law and order in the Samburu territory. As regards the conduct of the trial, my hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate that it would be most improper for the executive to interfere in any way with or comment upon the conduct of a trial, and I am sure that is not suggested; but I have asked if there may be supplied for information the record of the trial. When I receive the further report from the Governor, I will make this also available to members by placing a copy in the Library. I could not express any opinion as to whether any inquiry is called for into any aspect of this matter, properly falling within the jurisdiction of Government, until I have received the full report of the Governor.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken to guard wild life in Malaya from extinction since the Wild Life Commission reported in May, 1933?

My hon. and gallant Friend is no doubt aware that for years past there have been laws in force in Malaya for the preservation of wild life. As a result of the commission's report a new and more comprehensive Ordinance has been drafted in the Straits Settlements which is intended to serve is a model also for legislation in the Malay States so that a uniform system may thereafter be achieved throughout the Peninsula. Negotiations are also in hand for the extension of a large existing game reserve in the State of Pahang so that, with contiguous territories in two other States, the whole may effectively serve as a national park in the area which the commission recommended.

Would it not be possible to help the preservation of game by making it commercially unprofitable to slaughter it? For instance, the fine for killing a rhinoceros is only 250 dollars, but the animal is worth 2,000 dollars in the market?

I have not seen the details of the model Ordinance which is being prepared, but I think that the point put by the hon. and gallant Gentleman is the thing to go for. I believe that it is receiving very careful consideration. When I get the Ordinance, I shall be very pleased to let my hon. and gallant Friend see it.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he can supply figures to show the effect on the trade of this country of the operation of the quota system in certain colonies; and if this method is to be extended or a heavier duty substituted?

My hon. Friend will be aware that the quota system for textiles was introduced only in the second quarter of last year, and it is only in exceptional cases that Colonial Governments publish monthly statistics of imports. Such evidence as is available, however, shows that the system is proving effective.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any particulars as to how much it has improved since then, in a general way?

No, I cannot, at the present moment. As I explained, very few colonies keep monthly figures in the way that they are kept here, but such actual figures as I have and, what is perhaps more important, the reports that I get from firms exporting, show that there is a very definite and marked improvement.

Is it not a fact that a number of colonies expressed resentment at the imposition of these quotas, and can the right hon. Gentleman say whether or not that resentment continues?

No. I think I am quite justified in saying that it does not. For instance, in Ceylon, where exceptional action was taken, the system is working very satisfactorily.

Has not a material amount of employment resulted from the action of the exporters?

Yes, Sir, it has. Every order which is placed here obviously is putting somebody in work here.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether, in order to accelerate the progress of many colonies with benefit to the import trade of this country, the Government will arrange for suitable large loans to be made available at a reduced rate of interest specifically to improve the trade of the United Kingdom?

Colonial loans are trustee securities, and Colonies are therefore able to take full advantage of the fall in interest rates in any new borrowing. But, in addition, the Colonial Development Fund is available to assist either by direct loan or by grant of interest in approved cases of development. This is a very valuable help, and my hon. Friend will see from the last report of the Committee that 89 per cent. of the assistance asked for in 1933–34 was approved.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether undertakings financed by loans from the Colonial Development Fund, which is maintained by the British taxpayer, are open to tender by overseas Dominion firms?

The Colonial Development Act prescribes that advances may be made by the Treasury

"for the purpose of aiding and developing commerce and industry in the colony or territory and thereby promoting commerce with or industry in the United Kingdom,"

and, in view of this express provision, all orders placed outside the colony or territory are placed in the United Kingdom.

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is in a position to make any statement as to the policy of the Government in respect of the competition being experienced by United Kingdom manufacturers from goods made by low-paid labour in other parts of the British Empire?

I have been asked to reply. Possible difficulties which may be caused by such competition as is referred to by my hon. Friend are constantly kept in mind by His Majesty's Government and are considered in the light of all the circumstances of each case as it arises. I would remind my hon. Friend that Parliament, by the passage of the Import Duties Act and the Ottawa Agreements Act, has laid down the general principle that goods grown, produced or manufactured within the Empire and consigned from the Empire should enter the United Kingdom free of customs duties.

When the President of the Board of Trade is looking further into this subject, will he keep his eye upon foreign firms in this country which are in competition with other firms who are treating their workpeople very much better than those firms do?

asked the President of the Board of Trade the number of applications made during 1934 for licences to export arms and munitions; and the number of licences granted and the number refused?

I have been asked to reply. During 1934 the number of applications made for licences to export war material was 425. Four hundred and thirteen licences were issued and seven refused. Five applications are awaiting completion of the necessary formalities.

In view of those figures, will the hon. Gentleman ask the President whether he considers that our system of licences is in fact very effective?

That is a matter of policy which does not arise out of the question.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the recent serious epidemic of malaria in Ceylon whereby many hundreds of thousands have been affected, while some 2,000 have died; whether he is aware that the Ceylon popularly elected State Council a year ago rejected a Mosquito Ordinance, the object of which was to prevent the spread of malaria; and what action is being taken to see that the health services of the island are more adequately dealt with in the future than they have been in the past by the local government?

I have received regular telegraphic reports from the Governor during the outbreak, and I am glad to say that he has recently informed me that the epidemic is showing a distinct decline in most districts. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. But as far as my present information goes, the passage of that Measure could not have prevented the severity of the recent outbreak, which appears to have been largely due to exceptional climatic conditions in an area in which malaria is not endemic. Prompt measures appear to have been taken to deal with the situation, both in regard to treatment of the sick and to general relief measures. The severity of the present outbreak directs renewed attention to the importance of framing a comprehensive plan of preventive activity, and the Colonial Office will, of course, give to or secure for the Ceylon Government all help possible in such an effort.

Does my right hon. Friend not think that the Mosquito Ordinance would have materially ameliorated the danger from this epidemic, which is caused by mosquito bites, and would be agree now that this shows how undesirable it is to give democratic government based on an illiterate electorate and the dangers that come from it?

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that in British Guiana a proclamation has been in force for more than a year prohibiting assemblies of workers to discuss questions of labour and wages; on what grounds this proclamation was made; and whether he is proposing to withdraw it?

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to a question on this subject by the hon. Member for Normanton (Mr. T. Smith) on 31st May, 1934, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that if workmen are not allowed to assemble in public to discuss their grievances they will find other ways of doing it?

Perhaps if the hon. Member studies the terms of the Ordinance which I circulated in reply to another question, he will find that it is a very reasonable provision.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any decision has yet been reached with regard to the establishment of satisfactory civil aerodromes in Palestine near centres of population; and whether he is in a position to make any statement on the matter?

No, Sir. I am afraid I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

When is the right hon. Gentleman likely to be in a position to make a statement?

I would not like to give a definite date, but an expert has been out there reporting to the Governor on the aerodromes, so I hope to be in a position to do so shortly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can now make a further statement with reference to the development of Empire air services?

The negotiations referred to in my statement of 20th December last are still proceeding. With a view to facilitating these negotiations it has been suggested to the other Governments concerned that advantage should be taken of the fact that certain representatives of the Air Ministry and the Post Office are about to make an inspection of the routes concerned to arrange for oral discussion.

Has the right hon. Gentleman yet received information from any of the Governments likely to participate that they foresee difficulty in falling in with His Majesty's Government's proposals?

I do not think I can add anything to my answer.

Will this Commission discuss the Indian situation with Indian National Airways?

Oh, yes, certainly.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he will state what steps have been taken towards the construction of new types of high-speed civil aircraft for use on Empire routes under the Government's revised policy?

As I informed the House just before Christmas, details as regards the type of aircraft to be employed in connection with the new scheme for the further development of Empire air mail communications cannot be finally settled until negotiations with the other Governments concerned have been completed. I am, however, informed that the Board of Imperial Airways have under consideration the order of certain prototype aircraft which will be capable of use under the new scheme.

Can the right hon. Gentleman give the House an assurance that these aircraft will be by contract and not by private tender?

That lies with Imperial Airways.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can make any statement as to the position regarding the Air Ministry offer of a subsidy under certain conditions to assist gliding in this country?

This question has been the subject of discussion between the Air Ministry and the representatives of gliding, and as a result I hope that a concrete scheme for the allocation and administration of the proposed grant will be submitted to my Department for consideration at an early date.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he can make a statement regarding the proposed new hourly service from Gatwick to Paris?

I am aware that tentative proposals are being canvassed for the operation of such a service, but I am not in a position to make any statement upon them.

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he can state whether the report of experts now examining Palestine railway communications will be available in this country or made to the Government of Palestine direct; and whether the investigation will include the possibility of railway communication between Palestine ports and central Asian countries in the hinterland?

The report of Sir Felix Pole, to which I think the hon. Member refers, will be made direct to the Government of Palestine. But I have no doubt that the substance of his recommendations will be published. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether in view of the fact that 448 cases of injury to the personnel of the Royal Air Force during the past year were the result of motor accidents, it is intended to take any steps to deal with this matter in the interests both of economy and of road safety?

The great majority of the accidents related to personnel not on duty, and only limited opportunities are, of course, open to my Department for exercising control in such cases. The question as to whether any regulations can suitably be made to supplement those that apply to the public generally, is however, under consideration.

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether in view of the public interest aroused by the recent fatal accident to a Royal Air Force autogyro while flying over Salisbury Plain, he will depart from the usual custom and publish the findings of the inspector of accidents as to the causes of the crash?

The investigation of the inspector of accidents in this case is not yet complete, but, when his report is received, my hon. and gallant Friend's suggestion that information regarding the cause of this service accident should, exceptionally, be made public will certainly be considered.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has any further information to give the House regarding the crossing-places for pedestrians; and whether, in view of the numerous complaints of motorists that the beacons cannot be seen at night, it is proposed to use some form of lighting?

As I have previously stated, I am prepared to consider proposals put forward by local authorities for the internal illumination of beacons, but in many cases the first question for consideration by the authority will be whether the street lighting should not be improved so that the crossing, as well as the beacon itself, may be sufficiently illuminated by street lamps. I would also refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made yesterday in reply to the question by the hon. Member for St. Pancras S.W. (Mr. Mitcheson), of which I am sending him a copy.

Will the hon. Gentleman represent to the local authorities that these beacons should as far as possible be placed under or alongside street lamps, so that they can be seen at night?

I have already done so. It is, of course, the intention that the beacons should catch the light from street lamps, and should, therefore, be in reasonable proximity to them.

Is the Minister satisfied that all these beacons are visible at night; and, if not, will he take the initiative in illuminating those about which he is not satisfied?

I think I have made that point plain. I am not satisfied that they are all visible at night. They are clearly visible when there is a good system of street lighting, but, where there is not a good system of street lighting, either the system of street lighting should be improved, or I am prepared to consider giving my consent to the illumination of the beacons themselves.

In view of the dangers in the City of Westminster, will the Minister take steps to make sure that there are beacons at all crossing places, so that motorists will know that places marked with lines which the rain washes out are intended to be crossing places?

I will communicate my hon Friend's observations to the City of Westminster.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the case in which a London magistrate gave his decision in favour of a passenger whose fare was uncollected when she left a tramway car; and, in view of the inconvenience passengers might find themselves in under similar circumstances, whether he proposes to take any action in the matter?

As the decision is to be the subject of an appeal, the hon. Member will understand that I can make no reference to it at present.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the urgency of getting the 30 miles per hour regulation into force in towns and built-up areas, he can now fix a definite date for its introduction?

As I have already announced, I propose to bring the speed limit of 30 miles per hour on roads in built-up areas into force on the 18th March next.

Would it not be possible to advance that date, as speed is such a potent cause of accidents?

It is all so dependent upon the speed with which highway authorities can make their arrangements, and I have already been told that 18th March is too close a date. I am afraid it would not be possible to advance it.

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has made progress in persuading local authorities generally, and those of the London traffic area in particular, to reduce the danger to human life by restricting the use of public thoroughfares are storage places for stationary motor-vehicles; and will he request the Metropolitan police authorities to abate the nuisance caused by many side streets in the West End of London being partially blocked by being used as temporary garages during the busiest hours of the day?

As I recently informed by hon. Friend, I am in sympathy with his view that the King's highway is constructed and maintained at the public expense to provide a free passage for traffic, and that those who desire to leave their vehicles should, wherever possible, make use of garages, and I take such opportunities as are open to me to encourage their provision. The question of action to be taken by the police is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department. It is the practice of the police to intervene where obstruction or danger is likely to arise.

asked the Minister of Transport whether the consulting engineers have yet commenced their investigations into the various schemes for improving the cross-river traffic at Selby laid before them by the appropriate highway authorities; and whether their investigations will be confined to alternatives put forward by such local authorities, or whether it will be open to other bodies, such as the Selby Urban District Council, to submit their views for examination by these experts?

The consulting engineers have commenced their investigations and have been instructed to confer with all the interested bodies, which include the Selby Urban District Council.

asked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to a collision between two omnibuses in Borough High Street on the 13th January whereby a number of passengers were injured by broken glass; and what are the regulations governing omnibuses and other public vehicles in London with regard to the glazing of their windows with triplex or other unbreakable glass?

The regulations require that, in the case of all motor vehicles registered after the 1st January, 1932, all glass fitted to windscreens or windows facing to the front, except glass fitted to the upper deck of double-decked vehicles, shall be safety glass. The two vehicles involved in the accident to which the hon. Member refers were registered before 1st January, 1932.

Do I understand, then, that no steps are being taken by the Ministry, in connection with the safety of the public, to see that unbreakable glass is put into public vehicles registered before January, 1932? Ought not something to be done with regard to them?

My answer covers that point. As I have said, the Regulations require the fitting of vehicles registered after that date. I have not taken any steps to apply the Regulations in advance of that date.

Do I understand that the lower deck of a double-deck omnibus does not require to have triplex glass in the side windows?

I think my answer deals with that point.

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in connection with the relief of unemployment, he will consider experimenting in two or three places in the country with the construction of overhead bridges or underground tunnels at ultra-important cross-roads with the object of showing whether this improvement of traffic could be generally adopted?

I have already given approval in principle to a scheme for a cross-over junction, and should be glad to receive other proposals for similar experiments in suitable cases from responsible highway authorities.

Will not the Minister consider the many railway crossings which roads have to cross, and put bridges there?

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider appointing a committee of medical experts to investigate the place of alcohol in the causes of road accidents?

In order to meet the hon. Member's desire and the many representations which have been made to me, I will invite the British Medical Association to say whether they could usefully make any observations on the subject.

Will the Minister recommend an amendment of the law under which a man is assumed to be in charge of a car although he may have no intention of driving it, and may, in fact, be incapable of doing so?

Would the Minister consider inserting an appropriate warning on this subject in the next edition of the Highway Code?

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures are taken by the police, coroners, and other responsible officials to ascertain in cases of road accidents whether those driving vehicles were under the influence of alcohol?

If the circumstances suggest that a driver who has been involved in a traffic accident was under the influence of drink or drugs, it is the well-established practice for the police to arrange for his examination by a police surgeon, and also, if the person concerned wishes it, by a doctor selected by himself. In any case where a death has resulted from the accident, the result of the police surgeon's examination would be made available at the inquest and also in any criminal proceedings which might be taken. I do not know what other responsible officials the hon. Member has in mind.

Is the right hon. Gentleman in a position to say whether his Department is going to take any definite action consequent upon comments made by Mr. Justice Rigby Swift at Liverpool Assizes, as the matter has already been the subject of question in this House, and the right hon. Gentleman promised to consider it?

I am afraid I shall have to consider that, as I do not remember the circumstances.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the report on fatal accidents in 1933 reveals the fact that 99 per cent. of the accidents were due to people who were sober?

asked the Minister of Transport whether instructions have now been given for the completion of the survey for a road bridge across the River Forth at Rosyth; and, if so, when the report of the survey is likely to be available?

The consulting engineers have made the survey, but their report is awaiting the completion of borings, work upon which is being started forthwith.

Does not the Minister consider that the proposed road bridge over the Forth would fit in very closely with the new five-years road development plan?

asked the Minister of Transport whether, in appointing examiners of applicants for driving licences, he will bear in mind the necessity of appointing Welsh-speaking examiners for Welsh areas?

Yes, Sir, this will be kept in view when making appointments.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he has been able to arrange to have a weekly broadcast in Spanish for the benefit of the people of South America, especially for the important British communities resident in that continent?

This is a matter for the British Broadcasting Corporation, to whom I will communicate the suggestion of the hon. Member.

Is my hon. Friend aware that this question concerns the Government owing to the fact that most of the British news which reaches Spanish South America comes through United States channels?

The settled policy of the Post Office is not to interfere with the broadcasting programmes of the British Broadcasting Corporation.

asked the Postmaster-General how many days it takes for a letter sent by air-mail from London to reach Santiago de Chile; in how many days does an air-mail letter reach Calcuta from London; and for how many years have these two air-mail services been established?

The time of transmission by air mail to Santiago is eight days, and to Calcutta six days. The through air-mail service to Santiago commenced in October, 1929, and the England-India air service was extended to Calcutta in July, 1933.

Is my hon. Friend aware that the service to Santiago includes 4½ days by sea?

It is true that the Calcutta service is slower than the Santiago service, but it is hoped to accelerate the two services to Calcutta.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he will make arrangements with manufacturing and other stationers in this country for the producing, advertising, and selling of special stationery for air-mail correspondence or, alternatively, will he consider selling envelopes and letter paper suitable for air mails through all post offices?

Special stationery suitable for air-mail correspondence is already sold by most stationers, and no action on my part seems to be required.

asked the Post-master-General whether, in view of the fact hat the Spanish administration has recently agreed to accept parcels weighing up to 20 kilos (44 lbs.) from certain continental countries, he will increase the present weight limit of 22 lbs. for parcels sent by post from this country to Spain?

I am looking into the matter and will write to my hon. Friend.

asked the Postmaster-General whether he can make a statement as to the provision of wireless telephonic communication between the mainland of Shetland and the islands of Foula and Papa Stour?

Inquiries as to the possibility of affording a telegraphic service with Foula and Papa Stour at reasonable cost are in hand, and I am trying to find premises on the mainland of Shetland suitably situated for a wireless station to serve both islands. Owing to the nature of the coast and its sparse population, this presents some difficulty. I should have to look to the interested parties to cover the major portion of the costs. A telephone service with exchange facilities is, I regret to say, much too costly to contemplate.

asked the Postmaster-General whether the site acquired by his Department at the junction of Hanbury Street and Deal Street, Whitechapel, Stepney, has been transferred for the purpose of providing housing accommodation which is needed in that district?

This matter is still under consideration in consultation with the Ministry of Health, and I will communicate with the hon. Member in due course.

Before the proceedings of the Ministry of Health are completed, will the hon. Gentleman point out to the Ministry how important it is in this very thickly populated area that a place of this description, on which about 50 families could be housed, should be used for housing purposes, and also how dangerous it would be if there were any addition to the already heavy motor traffic in the district.

No doubt, all those points will be considered.

asked the Prime Minister whether the Royal Commission which has been inquiring into the constitution of Durham University and its constituent colleges has now reported; and when the report is likely to be made public?

The commission have not yet reported, but I understand that they hope to present their report towards the end of February. Until the commission have reported, the question of publication does not arise.

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the terms of the Kellogg Pact to which the United Kingdom has adhered and of the antiwar sentiment throughout the country, in view also of the fact that the Army is only one of three forces on which the country relies for its defence in the event of war, he will reconsider his refusal to introduce legislation to change the title of the War Office to Army Office?

I do not think I should be justified in occupying the time of the House with legislation for this purpose.

asked the Minister of Agriculture when the report of the Poultry and Egg Commission is likely to be published; and whether the Government propose to initiate legislation in the near future to help this branch of the agricultural industry?

I have received the report of the English Reorganisation Commission for Eggs and Poultry, and it will be published, I hope, by the end of next week. As regards the last part of the question, it will be for the industry to consider the commission's recommendations in the first instance. In so far as these recommendations may involve legislation, they will, of course, receive the Government's careful attention, but I cannot at this stage anticipate what action it may be considered necessary to take.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been drawn to the intention of the Metropolitan Water Board to construct a reservoir over Holly Lodge Farm at Walton-on-Thames, which maintains on 187 acres a permanent working staff of 65 with a wages and salaries bill of £11,500 annually and is considered by experts to be the most successful experimental farm in England; and whether he will take steps to procure a further investigation of alternative sites by the Metropolitan Water Board before their scheme is presented for approval to Parliament?

The answer to the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I have no power to require the Metropolitan Water Board to make further investigations of alternative sites. I have no doubt that this aspect of the question will receive careful consideration when the Private Bill, which I understand the board are promoting during the present Session, comes before Parliament.

Will the right hon. Gentleman give evidence?

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is the best example of intensive cultivation in the whole country, and, in such circumstances, should not the Ministry do everything it possibly can to approach the local authority to take a different line?

My hon. Friend will realise that this is coming before a private Bill Committee, and it would be injudicious for the Ministry to take sides at present.

Is not the Department aware of the high research value of this farm and the great loss it would be to agriculture if anything were done to disturb its operation?

I have a high opinion of the work carried on at this farm. It is a matter which will be investigated in the normal procedure of this House.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that farmers must now consider the preparation of their land for the sugar-beet crop, he can make any statement of a reassuring character so that this crop, beneficial to farmers, farm workers, and others, may be continued?

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the further delay which appears likely to ensue in connection with the long-term policy regarding Government assistance for sugar-beet, he will take an early opportunity to state whether it is intended to continue the existing temporary arrangement for another year, as so many farmers are anxiously awaiting such an announcement before they can plan their cropping for the coming season?

I fully appreciate the desire of agriculturists for an early indication of policy with regard to the forthcoming sugar-beet crop. The situation arising from the fact that the report of the Committee of Inquiry is not available is being carefully considered by the Government, but I am not at present in a position to make a statement.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when the report will be available?

Could the right hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to make any statement?

No, I am afraid I cannot say that.

Is it likely that there will be still a month's delay, or less than that?

I cannot add anything to the statement that I have already made.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether it is intended to continue the fat cattle subsidy after 31st March next?

It will be recalled that the temporary arrangements for which provision is made in the Cattle Industry (Emergency Provisions) Act, 1934, were put into operation in order to give time and opportunity for full discussion with the Governments, particularly with the Dominion Govtrnments, concerned, of the important proposals with regard to a long-term solution of the livestock problem, contained in the White Paper on the livestock situation issued in July, 1934 (Cmd. 4651). These discussions are still actively in progress, and, recognising the difficulty of the problems with which many of the Governments concerned are faced, His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom have de- cided that an extension of the existing period for discussion is desirable. It is proposed, therefore, to introduce legislation at an early date providing for further advances for a short period from the Exchequer to the Cattle Fund. Parliament will be asked to make provision in the first instance covering a period of three months. The Government earnestly trust that it will be found possible to reach an agreement, along the lines already set out in the White Paper, within that period, but the proposed legislation will provide for the possibility of a further extension, not exceeding three months, subject to the specific authority of Parliament.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say how much charge is involved upon the taxpayers by each of these periods of three months?

No, my right hon. Friend should await the legislation.

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will state the number of tithe-distraint orders that have been issued and executed for the year ended 1934 or the nearest available date; the total amount of tithe due and the value of the goods distrained; and the approximate date when the Royal Commission are expected to finish their inquiry?

The collection and recovery of tithe rentcharge by tithe-owners, as I informed the hon. Member on 1st November last, is not a matter which falls within the jurisdiction of the Ministry, and I am therefore not in a position to give the information asked for in the first and second parts of his question. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.

Is not the Department in the habit of receiving the reports that appear in the papers from time to time as to the numbers of cattle that have been pinched by tithe owners and indexing them so that the right hon. Gentleman can have all this information at his disposal?

No, I am not in the habit of receiving information about goods which have been distrained for agricultural tithes or anything else.

Should it not be the duty of the Department to have all this information indexed and filed away?

I do not share the hon. Member's desire to have information filed away and indexed which is never going to be acted upon.

Your office is worse than a trade union one.

asked the Secretary of State for India what is the estimated population in the areas in British-India scheduled for exclusion and for partial exclusion, respectively, under the Government of India Bill?

The estimated population of the areas in India proposed by the Bill to be treated as excluded is about 1,300,000, and in Burma about 1,876,000: and the population of the areas to be treated as partially excluded in India is about 12,184,000 and in Burma about 366,500.

asked the Secretary for Mines what action he proposes to take with regard to the suggestion of His Majesty's inspector for mines who reported upon the explosion at Bilsthorpe colliery to the effect that more adequate fire-fighting appliances should be provided at all mines?

I have already called the attention of the industry to the urgency and importance of this matter and improved provision for fighting fires has already been or is now being made by many colliery managements in different parts of the country. In some respects the equipment and organisation which are thus being provided follow different lines, along which practical experience is now being obtained, and I have given instructions for a close study of these developments to be made by His Majesty's inspectors generally, with the object of determining as soon as possible the best basis for common action.

Will the hon. Gentleman take steps to make shot-firing in mines illegal?

The inquiry heard 1,500 questions and answers, and it would be impossible to draw any definite conclusions until the evidence has been weighed.

I am not referring to the hon. Member's answer in respect of the inquiry into the question. As a result of that inquiry, it was obviously revealed that ignition was due to shot-firing, and in consequence it may be assumed that there is a potential explosion.

I beg the hon. Gentleman's pardon. I misheard him. As a result of a consultation between the Department and the Mining Association of Great Britain in October last, the latter undertook to consider the subject and means of combating fire underground, and the district associations were invited to collaborate and collate information as to the practice and to state their views on the subject.

The question I ask is whether, in view of the fact that shot-firing causes ignition, the Minister will take steps to ascertain the possibility of eliminating shot-firing and substitute other means.